Will other countries follow Australia’s social media ban for under-16s?

The U.S. government has paused a tech-focused trade pledge with Britain due to broader disagreements regarding Britain's digital regulations and food safety rules. This decision follows an agreement signed in September by President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which aimed to enhance research collaborations and strengthen partnerships in the tech industry.

Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10, 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed pride in this world-leading initiative aimed at protecting minors from online risks, a move that has garnered significant public support.

Card Factory has issued a profit warning during its peak trading period, indicating that economic pressures have negatively impacted consumer confidence. This announcement has led to a significant drop in the retailer's shares, which fell by over 20% as investors reacted to the news.

The UK government is considering new laws to address the power imbalance in franchise agreements following alarming reports from former Vodafone franchisees, including claims of mental health crises and tragic incidents among small business owners. These concerns were highlighted in a recent Guardian article detailing the struggles faced by those operating Vodafone retail outlets.

A new railway timetable is set to go live across Great Britain on December 14, promising more train services, faster journeys, and improved reliability, particularly on the east coast mainline. This change follows significant investment and engineering efforts aimed at enhancing the rail network.

Reddit has filed a lawsuit against Australia in response to a new law that bans social media access for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10, 2025. This legislation aims to protect minors from the negative impacts of social media, including cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, and affects major platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

An official report from the UK's energy system operator has projected that achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 could cost households an additional £500 annually, highlighting the financial implications of transitioning away from fossil fuels. The report outlines various scenarios that illustrate the expected surge in spending over the coming years.